Toledo Defensive Line Loaded with Options This Fall
8/26/2014 6:55:00 PM | Football
This is fourth in a series of articles looking at the Rockets by position in 2014.
TOLEDO, OH - Toledo's defensive line is a younger version of its offensive line, similarly loaded with two or three players at each position who could play key roles in 2014.
"Our defensive line does have great depth. We have a lot of guys who have played at a high level," said head coach Matt Campbell. "I think we could play up to 11 or 12 guys on the line. We just need to etch out the roles."
Campbell is counting on sophomore defensive tackle Treyvon Hester to solidfy the middle. Hester, a third-team All-MAC pick, had 39 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss in his freshman campaign. Other interior linemen with extensive experience include sophomore Marquise Moore (26 tackles, 5.0 TFL) and juniors Orion Jones (19 tackles, 2.0 TFL) and Chris Collins (15 tackles, 3.0 TFL). Two others to keep an eye on are juniors Keenan Gibbs and Robert Zimmerman. Gibbs has battled injuries most of his career but is fit and ready to go.
At defensive end, Toledo's biggest need will be to find a pass rusher to replace graduating senior Jayrone Elliott, who led the team with 14.0 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks in 2013. Senior Ray Bush (36 tackles, 2.5 TFL), junior Allen Covington (26 tackles, 5.5 TFL) and sophomore John Stepec (10 tackles, 2.0 TFL) are all in the battle for a starting spot. They will be challenged for playing time by redshirt freshman Adam Kulon and junior college transfer Tré James.
- A Closer Look at Offensive Line
- A Closer Look at Wide Receiver/Tight End
- A Closer Look at Running Back
- A Closer Look at Quarterback
